The story follows Joe Armstrong (played by Michael Dudikoff), a U.S. Army soldier stationed in the Philippines who possesses exceptional martial arts skills. Armstrong is a member of a covert military unit tasked with training soldiers and carrying out secret missions. When a group of terrorists kidnaps a general’s daughter and threatens to unleash chaos, Armstrong, along with his partner Curtis Jackson (Steve James), must use his ninja training and combat skills to rescue her and stop the terrorists.

American Ninja is known for its action-packed sequences, including impressive martial arts choreography and fight scenes. The film combines elements of ninja lore with military action, creating a blend of genre tropes that appealed to fans of 1980s action films. Michael Dudikoff’s performance as the titular American Ninja and Steve James’ portrayal of his sidekick add charisma and energy to the film.

The movie has achieved cult status for its entertaining mix of martial arts action and over-the-top storytelling, making it a notable entry in the action genre of the mid-1980s.